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Our Alumni

​With more than 15,000 Poets worldwide, Whittier College has an active and impressive alumni body. Our graduates are virtually in every industry imaginable, in every corner of the globe. They are research scientists and doctors, captains of commerce and entrepreneurs, Peace Corps volunteers and educators, policy-makers and advocates, among others. They are found behind-the-scenes in American entertainment, on the concert stage, and in art galleries and museums in major international cities. They invent and discover, negotiate and persuade, advise and counsel. And following the mission of their alma mater--whether in their home communities or far afield--they are making strides toward the betterment of humanity.

Numerous Whittier College graduates have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields and industries, and we are honored to have them be part of our greater Poet family. To browse through a sampling of our notable alumni, please click on one of the following categories.

For decades, the Poet Awards have been handed out to select members of the alumni body, chosen for their outstanding service, commitment, and loyalty to Whittier College, and for individual professional and personal achievements that best reflect the ideals and values taught here, at Whittier. Nominated by their peers and voted on by the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Poet Awardees represent some of the best of our Whittier College community and extended family.

Annually, Poet Awards are selected in each of the following categories (for past recipients, click on the category link):

Honorary Alumnus/a Award, for outstanding non-alumni members of the College community who have enhanced the Whittier College experience for alumni

The following categories of recognition are only intermittently awarded, based on outstanding achievement that does not fall within the criteria or specifications of the above categories of award (for past recipients list, click on the category link):

Purple & Gold Honorary Service, recognizing significant alumnus/a contributions, support, and volunteerism given to the Whittier College Athletic Program

Poet Award Honoree, recognizing special deeds or volunteer work done in support of a Whittier College initiative or limited

Each year, the Faculty of Whittier College have the distinct honor to nominate and select candidates to receive the College's highest award, the honorary doctorate. Since the first ceremony in 1913, the impressive list of honorands has included pioneers, rising stars, and key contributors in the fields of science, business, politics, engineering, education, and the humanities, among others.